With just an hour and a half left in the trading day, it looks likely that stock markets in the U.S. will finally break their six-day losing streak. With the Dow Jones Industrials
In Europe, though, the jury's already in, and stocks there closed broadly higher. Although European markets were already somewhat higher based on China's news, the gains accelerated sharply when the U.S. markets opened. By the close, the FTSE 100
Even with today's gains, European stocks face plenty of uncertainty right now. Spain, for instance, continues to labor under high unemployment, and its banking system is under serious threat. Although banking stalwart Banco Santander
But arguably, investors are getting well compensated at present for those risks. Even telecom stocks France Telecom
Europe is a value opportunity waiting to happen. The worst may be yet to come, but at some point, the Continent will recover -- and investors will regret not having taken advantage of the situation while the getting was good.
Refresh and regroup
Whether you invest in the Dow or international stocks, take the weekend to get some perspective. Forget about hourly and daily moves in the market and focus on which stocks will get you to your long-term financial goals. We'd love to show you three great prospects among the Dow 30 in our latest special report, "The 3 Dow Stocks Dividend Investors Need." The report is absolutely free, so just click here and get your copy today.